Study shows rural workers' 'risky' drinking

New research has found that almost half of rural workers are drinking alcohol at risky levels.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation interviewed 150 farmers working across a variety of industries and found that 43 per cent were drinking too much.

Risky drinking is defined as having more than two standard drinks a day with two alcohol-free days per week.

The study's lead researcher, Dr Julaine Allan, says drinking is seen as part of the culture in regional areas.

"Primarily it's an after work sort of thing," she said.

"There's no support amongst workers or employers for drinking on the job, although there were some examples of that but what was more common was that you have a couple of beers maybe at the pub or with your mates after work, maybe go home have a few more, maybe have a bit of a bigger night on a Friday or Saturday."